Slanderous: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. It implies false and harmful speech.

• The politician filed a lawsuit over the slanderous remarks made by his opponent.
• Spreading slanderous rumors can lead to serious legal consequences.

Use this word when describing statements that harm someone's reputation, whether they are spoken or written. It covers both slander and libel.

• The magazine was sued for publishing defamatory articles about the celebrity.
• Defamatory comments on social media can damage a person's career.

Use this word specifically for written statements that are false and harmful to someone's reputation. It's similar to defamatory but specifically in written form.

• The newspaper had to issue a retraction for the libelous article.
• Accusations of libelous content led to a significant lawsuit.

Use this word when describing actions or statements intended to harm someone, often with spiteful or evil intentions. It can be used in a variety of contexts, not limited to reputational harm.

• The hacker’s malicious intent was clear when he stole sensitive data.
• Malicious gossip can tear apart relationships.

Use this word when describing something that causes physical, emotional, or reputational damage, but it does not necessarily have a legal implication.

• The harmful effects of smoking are well-documented.
• She was upset by the harmful comments made by her classmates.

Repetition: Describes spoken statements that harm someone's reputation by spreading false claims.

• His slanderous remarks about the CEO led to a lawsuit

Applies to both spoken (slander) and written (libel) statements that damage someone's reputation.

• The newspaper published a defamatory article about the politician

Describes written or published false statements that harm someone's reputation.

• The book contained several libelous comments about the actress

Used to describe actions or statements done with the intention to cause harm, whether to reputation or otherwise.

• She spread malicious rumors to sabotage his career

Refers to any action or statement that causes damage or injury, not necessarily related to reputation.

• Smoking is harmful to your health